HC Deb 31 October 1956 vol 558 c174W
Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Labour what is his latest information about the decline in the labour force and the extent of short-time working in the pottery industry compared with a year ago.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The number employed in the manufacture of china and earthenware fell in the year ended August, 1956, from 76,700 to 70,200. In the same period the number working short-time, according to returns received from employers, rose from 310 to 8,872. Reports from my local offices indicate some decrease in short-time working between the end of August and the middle of October. The number employed at the end of September will be known in a few days' time, and I will let the hon. Member have this information when it is available.

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